Disney’s Hollywood Studios looks considerably different than it did when the park first welcomed guests in 1989.
Over nearly four decades, Disney has removed several original attractions, introduced new entertainment offerings, and transformed entire sections of the park.
However, one recognizable landmark from Hollywood Studios’ earliest days is getting another chance to shine.
Disney recently launched an extensive restoration project involving one of the park’s most familiar locations.
Now, new developments suggest the work is getting closer to completion.
Disney Restores Historic Hollywood Studios Landmark
For 37 years, Echo Lake has been a recognizable part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The area is home to several longtime landmarks, including the enormous green dinosaur known as Gertie.
Located beside the waterfront, Gertie serves as the home of Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction, a seasonal snack location that has become a familiar sight for Hollywood Studios visitors.
Recently, Disney began working on a major refurbishment of Echo Lake and its surrounding structures.
The project involved draining the lake, exposing its basin, and surrounding the nearby S.S. Down the Hatch with scaffolding.
However, the work is finally starting to reveal some noticeable improvements.
According to reports from WDWMAGIC, Disney has repainted Gertie, restoring the dinosaur’s familiar appearance with a fresh exterior finish.
The improvements are particularly significant considering how many original Hollywood Studios features have disappeared over the years.
Rather than removing Gertie, Disney is maintaining the landmark as part of its ongoing investment in the area.
And the dinosaur isn’t the only recognizable feature receiving attention.
Disney Makes Additional Changes as Refurbishment Continues
Across Echo Lake, the S.S. Down the Hatch has also undergone extensive maintenance.
The boat, which houses Dockside Diner, previously disappeared behind scaffolding while crews worked on its exterior.
That scaffolding has now been removed, revealing freshly painted red and white surfaces.
Disney has also applied a new coating to the lake basin, another important step toward completing the refurbishment.
Despite the progress, Echo Lake remains empty as crews continue preparing the area for its eventual reopening.
Disney has not confirmed when the lake will be refilled or when the entire project will officially conclude.
Still, the latest improvements suggest the work is entering its final stages.
For longtime Hollywood Studios fans, the restoration offers something different from the major construction projects happening elsewhere in the park.
While Disney continues developing new experiences, including Monstropolis, it is also investing in the preservation of one of its original landmarks.
And after 37 years, Gertie appears ready to welcome another generation of Hollywood Studios visitors with a refreshed look.
